The Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development (CD6 UPC) has participated in the development of a head-mounted display (HMD) system to present information superimposed on the field of view of the motorcycle driver, without affecting safety or driver comfort.

With a design adapted to the physiology of the eye, a new optical projection system and control electronics have been developed. The system processes data sent through an app so that drivers can see information superimposed on their field of view. The solution represents a considerable advance in technology: a driver’s eyes are focused on the far field of view when driving; with this system they do not have to refocus to read information projected in the near field of view, as in other solutions on the market.

The project has been developed in a consortium that also includes the company Shiro Helmets (market leader), SnellOptics (a spin-off of CD6 UPC) and CETEM and has received funding from the Ministry of Economy of Competitiveness through the RETOS Collaboration programme.

NEW MOTOR TECHNOLOGIES FOR A MORE EFFICIENT ELECTRIC VEHICLE

MCIA Innovation Electronics (MCIA UPC) has collaborated with SEAT Technical Center in the conception, design, modelling and validation of electric traction motors based on new technologies of synchronous reluctance. Tests on the motor prototype, manufactured by the company Mavilor, confirm the potential of this technology for use in the interurban electric vehicles market. The technology provides a more economic motor: costs are cut due to the use of classic rare earth magnets, and levels of power density and robustness that are currently found on the market are maintained, with greater efficiency. This new technology is enabling the mass development of electric vehicles.

SMART PLATFORM FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The European project INVADE, in which CITCEA UPC participates, has been launched to minimise the impact of climate change, reduce greenhouse gases, and promote the use of renewable energies in the European Union. The aim of the project is to optimise energy supply and create end-user-centric services through a platform that will manage the flexibility available in smart grid systems. The platform shall integrate a range of flexible resources such as manageable demand, batteries, electric vehicles and new business models relating to these new applications. CITCEA will develop the architecture and the control algorithms for the flexible platform that will enable to manage renewable resources in distribution networks.

The project has a budget of 16 million euros, and will incorporate infrastructure and pilot test systems based in Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Norway and Holland. Twelve partners are involved and the project will end in December 2019.

CIT UPC PARTICIPATES IN THE ‘INTERCLUSTER RAIGRUP-HT CLUSTER SESSION’

CIT UPC, a member of the Railgrup Cluster, took part in the ‘Intercluster Railgrup-HT Cluster Session’, held on 21 April to introduce the potential of various rail mobility solutions to promote healthy living habits. Dani Tost, director of CREB UPC, a member of the HT Cluster, presented gaming solutions that can be used in the rail sector. Other presentations during the day included virtual/augmented reality, cognitive computing, itinerary design and monitoring solutions.

With little fanfare, a new technology was invented in 2009 that is probably one of the most impressive of the century. A person known as Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of the Bitcoin whose name is quite possibly a pseudonym, was trying to resolve a very well-known problem concerning digital currencies... + Keep reading.

2017 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 'PROGRAMA CIEN'

On 28 April, a call for funding applications was announced for the Strategic Programme for National Business Research Consortia (PROGRAMA CIEN), 2017. The deadline for submitting applications is 4 July.

EIGHTH SURVEY ON SOCIAL PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (Fecyt) has published the Eighth Survey on Social Perceptions of Science and Technology 2016. The report highlights that society continues to request more information on science and technology topics. Further information.

RECOVERY OF INDIGO COLOURING FROM DYE FOR DENIM

When denim warp is dyed with products that contain indigo, 50–300 mg/l of the colouring is washed out in the rinsing water. This represents a loss of 1–3 kg/h in continuous dying machines, and creates a strongly coloured effluent. Innotex Center/Intexter has designed a dye recovery method using ultrafiltration techniques. The indigo colouring can then be concentrated to 20–30 g/l, which makes it suitable for reuse.

Tests have been carried out on a semi-industrial pilot of the system, treating 1600 l/h. The results indicate that the process can be implemented at industrial scale.